Popular Terms for Beauty Schools Before choosing a beauty school, read the following list of key terms to help you learn more about your options:

Cosmetology: Cosmetology is the study and use of beauty treatments. Many beauty schools teach hairstyling, cosmetics, skin care, electrology, pedicures, and manicures. All of these treatments are considered part of cosmetology.

Esthetician: Estheticians are professionals trained in areas such as hair removal, aromatherapy, non-surgical face lifts, facial massages, and permanent makeup as well as other beauty techniques. Estheticians must complete training and pass an exam to practice. They usually work in salons and spas.

Permanent Makeup: Permanent makeup involves tattooing parts of the face. By getting permanent makeup, individuals do not have to worry about applying makeup on a regular basis. Permanent makeup is often applied to the face, lips, and eyelids. It's also used to hide the side effects of certain diseases and conditions, such as replacing eyebrows lost during chemotherapy.

Makeup Artist: A professional trained to choose makeup products for individual people. They might also teach the person how to apply makeup properly. In many cases, men and women visit makeup artists before a significant event, such as a wedding or a prom. This lets the individual look their best at the event.

Pedicure: Treatments that improve the health and appearance of toenails. Pedicures often involve trimming the nails, removing dead skin from the area around the nail, and adding moisturizers. Some pedicures can also involve rubbing dead skin from the bottom of a client's feet with a pumice stone or similar device.

American Association of CosmetologyMake sure you choose the most reputable beauty school around when committing to your education. Just look through the listings in our association to make sure you choose the right school for you.

"The teacher don't seem to know what they are doing, the classes are very expensive and don't provide you with all the necessary tools, I would never step foot in this school again!! ..."

Every state requires hairstylists, barbers, estheticians and manicurists to hold a license. To qualify for this licensing, you must typically attend a training program at a beauty school or other postsecondary institution. Asking these questions to prospective schools will help you find the best place to get this necessary training.

What types of programs do you offer?
Most beauty schools offer a program in cosmetology, which provides training in performing services for the hair, skin, and nails. Others have courses specifically for estheticians, makeup artists, or nail technicians who perform manicures and pedicures.

What types of accreditation and approvals do you have?
For your training to fulfill the state licensing requirements, the beauty school you attend must have approval from your state's Board of Cosmetology. Schools may also have certification from the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. This credential is not mandatory for your state licensing, but attests to the fact that the school has met specific standards of excellence.

Does your school operate an onsite salon?
You'll need to gain hands-on experience to pass the board examinations to gain your license. It's most convenient to find a school that has an onsite salon, allowing you to accumulate this hands-on training in the same location where you attend classes.

Do you offer job placement assistance and licensing exam preparation services?
Many beauty schools help prospective beauticians and makeup artists locate jobs at salons and spas after graduation. Schools may also offer special study groups and practice sessions to help graduates prepare for the written and practical cosmetology licensing exams.